Michael Richards

President

Dr. Michael Richards of West Des Moines brings a broad knowledge of business management and medical integration to the Board of Regents.

Until its sale, Dr. Richards served as vice chairman and managing partner of Quatro Composites in Orange City, Iowa, which specializes in manufacturing carbon composite equipment for the aerospace and medical industries. Prior to that, Richards was Chairman of MEDTEC, a medical services and equipment company.

Dr. Richards earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in 1970 before earning his M.D. from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1974. After graduation, he was in practice for more than 20 years, and during that time was president of Healthcare Preferred and the Iowa Health Physicians Medical Foundation. In addition, Dr. Richards served as chief medical officer at Iowa Health System (now UnityPoint Health).

Dr. Richards and his wife, Ann, are active supporters and contributors to medical and educational charities and foundations. He has served as president of the Dowling Foundation, and more recently served on the Board and Executive Committee of the Minnesota Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.

Richards was elected the 22nd President of the Board of Regents, on May 1, 2017, and was re-elected president on April 12, 2018. He was appointed to the Board of Regents on May 6, 2016, by Governor Branstad to fill the unexpired term of Mary Andringa. His term on the Board expires April 30, 2021.